R.I.P. TV On The Radio bassist Gerard Smith

According to a notice posted on the band’s official site, TV On The Radio bassist Gerard Smith died this morning, only weeks after it was revealed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 34. Smith had been a part of the band since 2005, beginning with third album Return To Cookie Mountain (on which he also played piano, organ, and sitar), and becoming an official member around the time of Dear Science. He was credited as the group’s primary bassist on the new Nine Types Of Light, but was forced to sit out its recent tour at his doctors’ urging—though at the time of the announcement, the band seemed confident he would soon return. The group’s statement on Smith’s passing reads, “We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly.” In addition, all upcoming TV On The Radio shows through April 26 have been canceled.

Here's the video for Dear Science track "Golden Age," which features Smith.